Roadway access hole cutter and method of cutting a square or rectangular roadway access hole

ABSTRACT

A roadway access hole drill for cutting a square or rectangular access hole in a roadway having a first saw opposing a second saw and a third saw opposing a fourth saw. A method of cutting a microtrench in which the buried utility is exposed by opening a square or rectangular access hole in a roadway above the buried utility using the roadway access hole drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a roadway access hole cutter thatreduces the chance of rupturing a utility buried close to the roadwayand a method of cutting a square or rectangular access hole in a roadwaythat avoids rupturing the buried utility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During installation of the optical fiber, a microtrench is cut in aroadway, the optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct is laid in themicrotrench and then a fill and sealant are applied over the opticalfiber and/or innerduct/microduct to protect them from the environment.Methods of microtenching that can be utilized in the present inventioninclude the methods described in my previous U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,641,414;10,571,047; 10,571,045; 10,781,942; 10,808,379; 10,808,377 and U.S.patent publication Nos. 20180292027; 20180156357, and 20180106015, thecomplete disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety hereinby reference.

Before cutting a microtrench in a roadway, the city must be notified.The city personnel will locate and mark buried utilities on the roadway.When a microtrench must cross a buried utility, the buried utility mustfirst be exposed, which requires cutting an access hole through theroadway and then removing the dirt below the roadway through the roadwayaccess hole. Currently, core saws, concrete saws, core drills and jackhammers are used to break through the roadway.

The city roadways are asphalt and/or concrete. Utilities, such asnatural gas, water, telecommunications, and/or electric, are typicallyburied in the dirt or bedding below the roadway. Natural gas lines areusually required to have 12-36 inches of cover above them. For example,a 2 inch natural gas line would have to be buried 14 inches below theroadway in order to have 12 inches of cover (dirt or bedding) above thenatural gas line.

However, often times codes are not followed by installers and naturalgas lines can be installed just below the roadway. A jackhammer isusually used to form the access hole in the roadway. However, if theburied utility, such a natural gas line is not buried according to codeand is just below the roadway, the jackhammer can cause the natural gasline to rupture causing a fire and serious injury or death. Furthermore,conventional core saws, concrete saws, and core drills can also damagethe shallowly buried utility. There is a great need for a softer way ofcutting an access hole that reduces the chances of rupturing a buriedutility that is not to code, i.e. just below the roadway.

Even with marking of the buried utilities, crews are still damagingburied utilities at an alarming rate. There is a great need for anautomated safety device to reduce damaging buried utilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the invention is to provide an improved roadway accesshole drilling device and a safer method of microtrenching to avoidunintentionally cutting buried utilities.

The present invention utilizes a roadway access hole saw comprising afour saws and associated saw drives to rotate the saws, to provide asquare or rectangular access hole in a roadway above the buried utility.The novel use of the roadway access hole saw provides a far faster andsafer method to expose the buried utility, especially when the utilityis not buried to code and is just below the roadway.

The objectives of the invention and other objectives can be obtained bya method of installing optical fiber, innerduct or microduct under aroadway comprising:

-   -   drilling a square or rectangular access hole in a roadway above        a buried utility using a roadway access four saw head comprising        a first saw opposing a second saw and a third saw opposing a        fourth saw;    -   removing dirt below the roadway through the access hole to        expose the buried utility;    -   cutting a microtrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so        that the microtrench crosses the buried utility and does not        damage the buried utility;    -   laying the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct in the        microtrench; and    -   filling the microtrench with a fill material to cover and        protect the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct.

The objectives can also be obtained by a roadway access drill configuredto reduce damage to a utility buried under a roadway comprising:

-   -   a four saw head comprising a first saw opposing a second saw and        a third saw opposing a fourth saw, wherein the four saw head is        configured to cut a square or rectangular roadway access hole;    -   at least one motor configured to drive the first, second, third        and fourth saws; and a lifting device for lifting and lowering        the roadway access drill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a roadway access hole drill located over the roadwayabove a buried utility.

FIG. 1B illustrates a roadway access hole drill located over the roadwayabove a buried utility.

FIG. 1C illustrates a roadway access hole saw located over the roadwayabove a buried utility.

FIG. 2 illustrates hole in the roadway cut by the roadway access holedrill to expose the buried utility.

FIG. 3 illustrates a microtrencher cutting a microtrench in the roadwaythat crosses the exposed previously buried utility.

FIG. 4A illustrates an optical fiber sealed in the microtrench by afill.

FIG. 4B illustrates a buried utility sealed in the microtrench by afill.

FIG. 5A illustrates a view of a saw.

FIG. 5B illustrates a view of a saw.

FIG. 5C illustrates a view of a saw head comprising four saws cutting asquare or rectangular access hole in a roadway.

FIG. 5D illustrates a view of a saw head comprising four saws cutting asquare or rectangular access hole in a roadway.

FIG. 5E illustrates a saw movably mounted to the four saw head.

FIG. 5F illustrates a saw rotatably mounted to the four saw head.

FIG. 5G illustrates a saw moving along a cutting plane in the square orrectangular access hole 3 being cut.

FIG. 6A illustrates a flow chart of a method of cutting a square orrectangular roadway access hole.

FIG. 6B illustrates a flow chart of a method of cutting a square orrectangular roadway access hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be explained by reference to the attachednon-limiting Figs. In the description, for purposes of explanation andnot limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularnetworks, communication systems, computers, terminals, devices,components, techniques, storage devices, data and network protocols,software products and systems, operating systems, developmentinterfaces, hardware, etc. in order to provide a thorough understandingof the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the present invention can be practiced in other embodimentsthat depart from these specific details. Detailed descriptions ofwell-known networks, computers, digital devices, storage devices,components, techniques, data and network protocols, software productsand systems, development interfaces, operating systems, and hardware areomitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention.All use of the word “example” are intended to describe non-limitingexamples of the invention.

The operations described in the figures and herein can be implemented asexecutable code stored on a computer or machine readable non-transitorytangible storage medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, ROM, EEPROM,nonvolatile RAM, CD-ROM, etc.) that are completed based on execution ofthe code by a processor circuit implemented using one or more integratedcircuits; the operations described herein also can be implemented asexecutable logic that is encoded in one or more non-transitory tangiblemedia for execution (e.g., programmable logic arrays or devices, fieldprogrammable gate arrays, programmable array logic, application specificintegrated circuits, etc.).

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of thevarious embodiments of the present invention, various illustrativeembodiments are explained below. Although example embodiments of thepresent invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood thatother embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended thatthe present invention is limited in its scope to the details ofconstruction and arrangement of components set forth in the followingdescription or examples. The present invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intendedalso to include composition of a plurality of components. References toa composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include otherconstituents in addition to the one named.

Also, in describing the example embodiments, terminology will beresorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each termcontemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in theart and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similarmanner to accomplish a similar purpose.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method stepsdoes not preclude the presence of additional method steps or interveningmethod steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it isalso to be understood that the mention of one or more components in acomposition does not preclude the presence of additional components thanthose expressly identified. Such other components or steps not describedherein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similarcomponents or steps that are developed after development of thedisclosed technology.

As illustrated, lines or arrows between elements can denotecommunications between the different elements. These communications cantake any form known by those of skill in the art, including digital,telephonic, or paper. The communications can be through a WAN, LAN,analog phone line, etc. The information communicated can be in anyformat appropriate for the transmission medium.

“Data storage” can be non-transitory tangible memory, such as any one ora combination of a hard drive, random access memory, flash memory,read-only memory and a memory cache, among other possibilities. The datastorage can include a database, implemented as relational databasetables or structured XML documents or any other format. Such a databasecan be used to store the information gathered from transaction recordsand Thing Records. Non-volatile memory is preferred.

“Processor” can refer to a single data processor on a single computingdevice or a collection of data processors. The collection of dataprocessors can reside on a single computing device or be spread acrossmultiple computing devices. The processor can execute computer programcode stored in the data storage or a memory. In one example, theprocessor can execute computer program code representative offunctionalities of various components of the system.

While certain implementations of the disclosed technology have beendescribed in connection with what is presently considered to be the mostpractical and various implementations, it is to be understood that thedisclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosedimplementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

Certain implementations of the disclosed technology are described abovewith reference to block and flow diagrams of systems and methods and/orcomputer program products according to example implementations of thedisclosed technology. It will be understood that one or more blocks ofthe block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theblock diagrams and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented bycomputer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of theblock diagrams and flow diagrams do not have to be performed in theorder presented or if at all, according to some implementations of thedisclosed technology.

Computer program instructions can also be stored in a non-transientcomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meansthat implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram blockor blocks.

FIGS. 1A and 1B describe an example of a system for cutting a roadwayaccess hole. The system comprises user interface devices 120, a server150, and computer system 702, all interconnected via a communicationnetwork 140. All interconnections can be direct, indirect, wirelessand/or wired as desired.

The network 140 can be any desired network including the internet ortelephone network. Various networks 800 can be implemented in accordancewith embodiments of the invention, including a wired or wireless localarea network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), wireless personal areanetwork (PAN) and other types of networks that comprise or are connectedto the Internet. When used in a LAN networking environment, computerscan be connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. Whenused in a WAN networking environment, computers typically include amodem, router, switch, or other communication mechanism. Modems can beinternal or external, and can be connected to the system bus via theuser-input interface, or other appropriate mechanism. Computers can beconnected over the Internet, an Intranet, Extranet, Ethernet, or anyother system that provides communications, such as by the network. Somesuitable communications protocols can include TCP/IP, UDP, OSI,Ethernet, WAP, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IrDa, WebRTC, or anyother desired protocol. Furthermore, components of the system cancommunicate through a combination of wired or wireless paths, includingthe telephone networks.

The systems can be accessed via any user interface device 120 that iscapable of connecting to the server 150 via the network 140. A pluralityof user interface devices 120 can be connected to the server 150. Anexample user interface device 120 contains a web browser and display.This includes user interface devices 120 such as internet connectedtelevisions and projectors, tablets, iPads, Mac OS computers, Windowscomputers, e-readers, and mobile user devices such as the smartphones,iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone, and other communication devices. Theuser interface device 120 preferably is a smartphone. The smartphone 120can be in any form, such as a hand held device, wristband, or part ofanother device, such as vehicle.

The computer processing unit (CPU) of the user interface device 120 canbe implemented as a conventional microprocessor, application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), programmablegate array (PGA), or the like. The CPU executes the instructions thatare stored in order to process data. The set of instructions can includevarious instructions that perform a particular task or tasks, such asthose shown in the appended flowchart. Such a set of instructions forperforming a particular task can be characterized as a program, softwareprogram, software, engine, module, component, mechanism, or tool. Thenon-transitory memory can include random access memory (RAM), ready-onlymemory (ROM), programmable memory, flash memory, and the like. Thememory, include application programs, OS, application data etc.

The server 150 and/or computer system 702 described herein can includeone or more computer systems directly connected to one another and/orconnected over the network 140. Each computer system can include aprocessor, non-transitory memory, user input and user output mechanisms,a network interface, and executable program code (software) comprisingcomputer executable instructions stored in non-transitory tangiblememory that executes to control the operation of the server 150 and/orcomputer system 702. Similarly, the processors functional componentsformed of one or more modules of program code executing on one or morecomputers. Various commercially available computer systems and operatingsystem software can be used to implement the hardware and software. Thecomponents of each server can be co-located or distributed. In addition,all or portions of the same software and/or hardware can be used toimplement two or more of the functional servers (or processors) shown.The server 150 and/or computer system 702 can run any desired operatingsystem, such as Windows, Mac OS X, Solaris or any other server basedoperating systems. Other embodiments can include different functionalcomponents. In addition, the present invention is not limited to aparticular environment or server 150 and/or computer system 702configuration. Preferably, the server 150 is a cloud based computersystem. If desired for the particular application, the server 150 orportions of the server 150 can be incorporated within one or more of theother devices of the system, including but not limited to a userinterface device 120.

The server 150 includes at least one web server and the query processingunit. The web server receives the user query and sends the user query tothe query processing unit. The query processing unit processes the userquery and responds back to the user interface device 150 and/or computersystem 702 via the web server. The query processing unit fetches datafrom the database server if additional information is needed forprocessing the user query. The database is stored in a non-transitorytangible memory, and preferably a non-volatile memory. The term“database” includes a single database and a plurality of separatedatabases. The server 150 can comprise the non-volatile memory or theserver 150 can be in communication with the non-volatile memory storingthe database. The database can be stored at different locations.

Software program modules and data stored in the non-transitory memorythe server 150 and/or non-volatile memory of the user interface device150 and/or computer system 702 can be arranged in logical collections ofrelated information on a plurality of computer systems having associatednon-volatile memories. The software and data can be stored using anydata structures known in the art including files, arrays, linked lists,relational database tables and the like. The server 150, computer system702 and mobile user device 150 can be programmed to perform theprocesses described herein.

Saw head utility avoidance safety device.

Modern cities require an extensive range of utilities to function. Theburied utilities include at least water, electricity, gas, telephone,and fiber optics. These utilities are typically provided throughunderground conduits. In theory, the location of the utilities iscarefully recorded and held centrally by city authorities. In practicethis does not universally occur and the location of many utilities canbe unrecorded or recorded incorrectly. The determined location of theutility may be acquired by underground imaging, which is commonlyaccomplished by the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR). Typically,the location of buried utilities are separately determined by GPR andthe location marked for later cutting or digging.

The present drill systems for installing optical fiber and/or innerductmicroduct, or for installing a new utility, having a four saw headutility avoidance safety device greatly reduces the chances of damaginga buried utility caused by operator error, errors in four saw headlocation, errors in the buried utility location, and other errors. Theutility avoidance safety device includes an under-roadway detection unit700, which can be a GPR, connected to the computer system 702 thatcontrols forward movement of the four saw head 27 during drilling. Thecomputer system 702 can further comprise a drill control system 716.

A conventional GPR system comprises an electromagnetic detection unit, acomputer system that receives detection data from the detection unit; auser interface device coupled to the computer system; and a displaycoupled to the computer system. The computer system interprets thedetection data to provide a visual representation of the underground onthe display. Computer systems are now well known and any suitablecomputer system comprising a processor in communication withnon-volatile, non-transitory memory can be utilized.

U.S. patent publication No. 2003/0012411 (Sjostrom), discloses a systemand method for displaying and collecting GPR data. U.S. Pat. No.6,617,996 (Johansson), discloses a GPR system to provide an audiblesignal regarding size and how deep. My previous U.S. Pat. No. 10,571,047discloses a GPR system for use in microtrenching. The completedisclosures of these patents and publications are incorporated herein byreference. Ditch Witch 2450R GPR is commercial example of a GPR machinethat can detect at suitable speeds of 5.6 mph. Geophysical SurveySystems, Inc. also commercially sells suitable GPRs that can be utilizedin the present invention.

In place of the usual GPR used to locate buried utilities, the inventioncan utilize other means of revealing buried utilizes or any tomography,including but not limited to, radio frequency identification, soundwaves, electrons, hydraulic, vibration, magnetic, sonar, ultrasound,microwaves, xrays, gamma rays, neutrons, electrical resistivitytomography, Multi-channels Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and/orFrequency-domain Electro Magnetics (FDEM) induction. Any of thesealternatives and later developed alternatives can be utilized. Thus, theunder-roadway detection unit 700 can comprise GPR and/or any otheralternative for detecting objects buried under the roadway. Preferably,the under-roadway detection unit 700 comprises a GPR.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-4A, the claimed invention utilizes an under-roadwaydetection unit 700 in a novel utility avoidance device for use on aroadway access hole drilling device 22 to create an access hole 3 in acity street (also referred to as a roadway 2) to install an opticalfiber or innerduct/microduct 5 under the roadway 2. FIG. 4B shows aburied new utility 9 in place of the buried optical fiber orinnerduct/microduct 5. Examples of the new utility 9 include electricaldevices, including but not limited to coax cable, coper cable, lowvoltage cable and power cable.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the under-roadway detection unit 700 is configuredto survey under the roadway 2 during drilling using the drilling device22. Roadway access drilling devices 22 are now well known and anysuitable access hole drilling device can be utilized in the presentinvention. However, the present invention utilizes a novel four saw head27 in place of a normal drill head.

The four saw head 27 comprises a first saw 53 opposing a second saw 54and a third saw 55 opposing a fourth saw 56. Preferably, each of thefour saws 53, 54, 55, 56 can each have circular blade 36 driven by anindividual motor 34 and a saw blade shroud 37 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.The saw blade shroud 37 protects an exposed surface of the blade 36.Each of the four saws 53, 54, 55, 56 cut an inside surface of the squareor rectangular access hole 3.

The four saw head 27 can cut a square or rectangular access hole 3 in aroadway 2, such as asphalt or concrete. In a preferred embodiment, thefirst, second, third and fourth saws operate simultaneously tosimultaneously cut the four sides of the square or rectangular accesshole 3. Examples of suitable sizes for a square access hole 3 are eachof the four sides being from 4 inches×4 inches to 16 inches×16 inchesand depths ranging from 1 inch to 16 inches. Examples of suitable sizesfor a rectangular access hole 3 are sides being from 4 to 16 inches anddepths ranging from 1 inch to 16 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 5E, 5F, 5F each of the four saw blades 36 can movealong the axis to cut the corners 35. If the saw blades 36 do not reachthe corners 35, the corners 35 can be busted out after cutting theaccess hole 3.

Each of the four saws 53, 54, 55, 56 are preferably mounted in the foursaw head 27 so that the positions of the saws 53, 54, 55, 56 does notchange in relation to the four saw head 27. The inner walls of thesquare or rectangular access hole 3 are thus the same size as thediameter of the saw blades 36, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. If a sawbreaks, it is easily replaceable.

Alternatively, the four saws 53, 54, 55, 56 can be mounted on associatedsaw movable mounts 45 as shown in FIG. 5E that allow the saw blade 36 tomove along a cutting plane 47, shown at 33, that creates an inner wallof the square or rectangular roadway access hole 3. FIG. 5G shows anexample of how the saw 36 can move along a cutting plane 47, shown at33, that creates an inner wall of the square or rectangular roadwayaccess hole 3. Cutting two adjacent inner walls of the square orrectangular roadway access hole 3 forms the corner 35. In this manner,the inner walls of the square or rectangular access hole 3 can be madelarger in size than the diameter of the saw blades 36.

In another alternative, the four saws 53, 54, 55, 56 can be mounted onassociated saw rotatable mounts 46 as shown in FIG. 5E that allow thesaw blade 36 to move along a cutting plane 47, shown at 33, that createsan inner wall of the square or rectangular roadway access hole 3. FIG.5G shows an example of how the saw 36 can move along a cutting plane 47,shown at 33, that creates an inner wall of the square or rectangularroadway access hole 3. Cutting two adjacent inner walls of the square orrectangular roadway access hole 3 forms the corner 35. In this manner,the inner walls of the square or rectangular access hole 3 can be madelarger in size than the diameter of the saw blades 36.

The device 18 is designed for making a neat clean cutout (roadway accesshole 3) to help locate utilities or install a small utility handhole forvarious utility services such as telecommunications. The device 18 canbe driven with four individual motors 34, each driving an associated sawblade 36, or one motor 32 powering all four saw blades 36. The four sawhead 27 can have a water attachment 28 to keep the saw blades 36 coolwhile cutting or a pressurized air attachment 29 to provide air coolingto the saw blades 36. A saw blade shroud 37 can cover an exposed part ofthe saw blade 36 for safety as well as having a vacuum attachment forcollecting all dust and debris.

Detection data from the under-roadway detection unit 700 can be sent toa computer system 702. The computer system 702 can send displayinformation to the display 704 to display what is under the roadway 2 inthe same manner as conventional GPR systems. The computer system 702 canalso interpret the detection data in real time to identify objects underthe roadway. For example, the computer system 702 can distinguishbetween utilities 4 under the roadway 2 and other objects under theroadway, such as reinforcing steel. The interpretation, i.e. a buriedutility 4, can also be displayed on the display 704 for the drilloperator, or on a user interface device 120. The computer system 702determines the location of the identified utility 4, or object, to beavoided, such as depth and/or size in real time as the four saw head 27is cutting through the roadway 2. The computer system 702 determines thedistance between the four saw head 27 and the buried utility 4 in realtime as the four saw head 27 is cutting through the roadway 2, which isshown at 706. A user interface device 120 can be coupled to the computersystem 702 for the operator to control the under-roadway detection unit700. The computer system 702 can also determine the distance between theroadway 2 and the buried utility 4, shown at 709.

When the computer system 702 identifies a buried utility 4 in the pathof the four saw head 27, the computer system 702 can send an alert 714to the drill and/or stop forward movement of the four saw head 27. Inthis manner, there is added protection against undesirable cutting ofburied utilities 4 by the four saw head 27.

Drill control systems 716 for controlling forward movement and/ordirectional control of the four saw head 27 are now well known. Thecomputer system 702 is connected to the drill control system 716 tooverride control of the four saw head 27 when necessary to avoiddamaging a buried utility 4. For example, forward movement of the foursaw head 27 can be automatically stopped by the computer system 702and/or drill control system 716 at a set distance 706, such as from 2-24inches, preferably 4-12 inches.

The under-roadway detection unit 700 can be connected to the computersystem 702 by wireless and/or wired connection, and/or indirectly by anetwork 140. Additional attachments can be connected to the computersystem 702 as desired. Examples of additional attachments are shown inFIG. 1A. The connections between the additional attachments can be wiredand/or wireless directly and/or indirectly by the network 140. Examplesof additional attachments include user interface devices 120 and/or aserver 150.

The computer system 702 can comprise a global positioning device orother positioning device to map the location of the microtrench 12,buried utilities 4 detected by the under-roadway detection unit 700, andthe buried optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct 5, or buried newutility 9.

The computer system 702 can be connected to a network 140 fortransmitting drilling data to the server 150 connected to the network140 and/or user interface devices 120 connected to the network 140. Thedrilling data can include, for example, the measurements of the accesshole 3, video of the hole 3, location of the hole 3, location of theburied utilities 4 detected by the under-roadway detection unit 700,location of the buried optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct, speedof microtrenching, and any other information as desired, in real time.The drilling data can also be stored on the computer system 702, or byany other means, such as USB, flash drives, etc., for later uploading oraccessing.

With the present method and system, as described in the flow diagrams ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, the location of buried utilities 4 can be accuratelydetermined in real time, the access hole 3 drilled in a manner thatavoids the four saw head 27 damaging the buried utilities 4, amicrotrench 12 cut, spoil vacuumed out of the microtrench 12, themeasurements of the microtrench 12 measured 720, 722, the optical fiberand/or innerduct/microduct 5 or buried new utility 9 can be installed inthe microtrench 12, and the microtrench 12 filled with fill 7, allconducted simultaneously and continuously at the rates disclosed hereinabove, which are far faster rates than previously. The drillinginformation can be uploaded in real time to a central database for useby the city, managers, traffic controllers, supervisors, and any othersas desired. In this manner, the actual location of buried utilities canbe more precisely mapped and stored in city records.

Any suitable microtrencher 14 can be utilized in the present invention.Non-limiting examples of suitable micro trenchers include those made andsold by Ditch Witch, Vermeer, and Marais. A Vermeer RTX 1250 tractor canbe used as the motorized vehicle for the microtrencher 14. Amicrotrencher 14 has is a “small rock wheel” specially designed for workin rural or urban areas. The microtrencher 14 is fitted with amicrotrencher blade 15 that cuts a microtrench 12 with smallerdimensions than can be achieved with conventional trench diggingequipment. Microtrench 12 widths usually range from about 6 mm to 130 mm(¼ to 5 inches) with a depth of 750 mm (about 30 inches) or less. Otherwidths and depths can be used as desired.

With a microtrencher 14, the structure of the road, sidewalk, driveway,or path is maintained and there is no associated damage to the road.Owing to the reduced microtrench 12 size, the volume of waste material(spoil) excavated is also reduced. Microtrenchers 14 are used tominimize traffic or pedestrian disturbance during cable laying. Themicrotrencher 14 can work on sidewalks or in narrow streets of cities,and can cut harder ground than a chain trencher, including cuttingthrough for example but not limited to solid stone, concrete, andasphalt.

A debris containment shroud 40 can be placed on the roadway 2 over theburied utility 4 to be exposed. The debris containment shroud 40 can beattached to a vacuum hose 48 attached to a source of vacuum 50. Thedebris containment shroud 40 is configured to provide a vacuum to ahollow chamber 44 during use. During use, the debris containment shroud40 rests on the roadway 2 surface and the debris, such as dust, chips,particles, etc., and water if present are vacuumed away through thevacuum hose 48 and into a vacuum storage container 52. The vacuum hose48 can be any size as desired, such as from 4 to 12 inches in diameter.Sources of vacuum 50 are now well known and any suitable vacuum sourcecan be utilized, such as those made by SCAG Giant Vac., DR Power,Vermeer, and Billy Goat.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , once the buried utility 4 is exposed, amicrotrencher 14 is used to cut a microtrench 12 in the roadway so thatthe microtrench 12 crosses the buried utility 4 without damaging theburied utility 4. As shown in FIG. 4A, the optical fiber, innerduct, ormicroduct 5 can be laid in the microtrench 12, and the a fill 7 can beapplied to cover the hole 3 and fill the microtrench 12 to cover andprotect the optical fiber, innerduct, or microduct 5. As shown in FIG.4B, the new utility 9 can be laid in the microtrench 12, and the fill 7can be applied to cover the hole 3 and fill the microtrench 12 to coverand protect the new utility 9.

Example

On 19 Nov. 2020, one of my crews struck a buried gas line whileinstalling optical fiber. The gas line The Gas line was mismarked byapproximately twenty-one (21) inches and buried approximately six (6)inches deep. 911 and 811 were contacted. This type of accident happensfar too often and the chances of this type of accident happening can begreatly reduced using the present invention. The following informationis the ticket:

-   -   811 Ticket #2082405236 (11/19/2020)    -   Dig Up Tkt #2082843411    -   When did it happen: 3:00 PM    -   Impact to residents: 2    -   Evacuation?: No    -   Main line: No    -   Service line: Yes    -   Scope of work: Microtrenching—2213 Rountree Dr.    -   Positive Locate: Mismarked    -   Reason for strike: Mismarked by 21″    -   Repair status: Gas has been contained; TGS On Site    -   ConEx Ticket Number: 174074741

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   2 Roadway    -   3 Square or rectangular access hole    -   4 Buried utility    -   5 Optical fiber, innerduct, microduct    -   6 Dirt    -   7 Fill    -   9 New utility    -   12 Microtrench    -   14 Microtrencher    -   15 Microtrencher blade    -   18 Drilling Device    -   22 Roadway access drilling device    -   27 Four saw head    -   28 Water attachment    -   29 Pressurized air attachment    -   30 Saw blade shroud    -   32 Motor    -   33 Movement of blade 36 along cutting plane 47    -   34 Individual motor    -   35 Corner of square or rectangular access hole    -   36 Saw blade    -   37 Saw blade shroud    -   40 Debris containment shroud    -   44 Hollow chamber    -   45 Saw movable mount    -   46 Saw rotatable mount    -   47 Cutting plane    -   48 Vacuum hose    -   50 Source of vacuum    -   52 Vacuum storage container    -   53 First saw    -   54 Second saw    -   55 Third saw    -   56 Fourth saw    -   120 User interface device    -   140 Network    -   150 Server    -   700 Under-Roadway Detection Unit    -   702 Computer System    -   704 Display    -   706 Distance between buried utility 4 and four saw head 27        during cutting    -   707 Distance between buried utility 4 and roadway 2    -   714 Alert to Drill Operator    -   716 Drill control system

It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments havebeen provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way tobe construed as limiting of the invention. Words used herein are wordsof description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Inaddition, the advantages and objectives described herein may not berealized by each and every embodiment practicing the present invention.Further, although the invention has been described herein with referenceto particular structure, steps and/or embodiments, the invention is notintended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, theinvention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, processesand uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Thoseskilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of thisspecification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes maybe made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.While the invention has been described to provide an access hole over aburied utility, the invention can be utilized wherever an access hole inthe roadway is required.

1. A roadway access drill configured to reduce damage to a utilityburied under a roadway comprising: a four saw head comprising a firstsaw opposing a second saw and a third saw opposing a fourth saw, whereinthe four saw head is configured to cut a square or rectangular roadwayaccess hole; at least one motor configured to drive the first, second,third and fourth saws; and a lifting device for lifting and lowering theroadway access drill.
 2. The roadway access drill according to claim 1,further comprising a computer system configured to control movement ofthe four saw head; an under-roadway detection unit connected to thecomputer system and configured to measure in real time a distancebetween the four saw head and a buried utility under the roadway; andthe computer system being configured to automatically at least one ofproviding warning to an operator of the roadway access drill or stoppingmovement of the four saw head towards a buried utility at a set distancebetween the four saw head and the buried utility to avoid damaging theburied utility.
 3. The roadway access drill according to claim 2,further comprising a debris containment collar comprising a vacuumattachment for attaching a source of vacuum to a hollow chamberconfigured to at least partially surround the roadway access drill. 4.The roadway access drill according to claim 2, wherein the computersystem being configured to automatically stopping movement of the foursaw head towards a buried utility at a set distance between the four sawhead and the buried utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
 5. Theroadway access drill according to claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst, second, third and fourth saws comprises a circular saw bladedriven by an associated motor.
 6. The roadway access drill according toclaim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth sawscomprises a circular saw blade driven by an associated motor.
 7. Theroadway access drill according to claim 1, wherein all of the first,second, third and fourth saws comprises a circular saw blade driven byone motor.
 8. The roadway access drill according to claim 1, wherein theset distance comprises 2-24 inches.
 9. The roadway access drillaccording to claim 1, wherein the set distance comprises 4-12 inches.10. The roadway access drill according to claim 1, wherein the first,second, third and fourth saws are configured to cut through asphalt orconcrete.
 11. The roadway access drill according to claim 1, wherein thefirst, second, third and fourth saws are configured to cutsimultaneously.
 12. The roadway access drill according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the first, second, third and fourth saws ismounted on an associated saw movable mount that allows a saw blade tomove along a cutting plane.
 13. The roadway access drill according toclaim 1, wherein at least two of the first, second, third and fourthsaws is mounted on an associated saw movable mount that allows a firstsaw blade to move along a first cutting plane and a second saw blade tomove along a second cutting plane.
 14. The roadway access drillaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second, thirdand fourth saws is mounted on an associated saw rotatable mount thatallows a saw blade to move along a cutting plane.
 15. The roadway accessdrill according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the first, second,third and fourth saws is mounted on an associated saw rotatable mountthat allows a first saw blade to move along a first cutting plane and asecond saw blade to move along a second cutting plane.
 16. A drillconfigured to cut a square or rectangular hole in concrete or asphaltcomprising: a four saw head comprising a first saw opposing a second sawand a third saw opposing a fourth saw, each of the first, second, thirdand fourth saws having an associated saw blade, wherein the four sawhead is configured to cut a square or rectangular hole in concrete orasphalt; and at least one motor configured to drive the first, second,third and fourth saws.
 17. The drill according to claim 16, wherein thefirst, second, third and fourth saws are configured to cutsimultaneously.
 18. The drill according to claim 16, wherein at leastone of the first, second, third and fourth saws is mounted on anassociated saw movable mount that allows a saw blade to move along acutting plane.
 19. The drill according to claim 16, wherein at least twoof the first, second, third and fourth saws is mounted on an associatedsaw movable mount that allows a first saw blade to move along a firstcutting plane and a second saw blade to move along a second cuttingplane.
 20. The drill according to claim 16, wherein at least one of thefirst, second, third and fourth saws is mounted on an associated sawrotatable mount that allows a saw blade to move along a cutting plane.21. The drill according to claim 16, wherein at least two of the first,second, third and fourth saws is mounted on an associated saw rotatablemount that allows a first saw blade to move along a first cutting planeand a second saw blade to move along a second cutting plane.